School Wellness Newsletter – JUNE 2022
In light of the heartbreaking events in Uvalde, Texas last month, we mourn with the many families who have experienced such profound loss. When faced with this level of tragedy, words seem inadequate and hollow compared to the devastation felt in that community and our country at large. I imagine many of us are feeling a mixture of challenging emotions.
In these moments especially, it’s important to remember that taking time to address mental health needs – including asking for help – is a sign of strength and not weakness. Here are some resources offered for Mental Health Awareness month from Hawai’i Afterschool Alliance:
- Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi promotes mental health and wellness through education, advocacy, service, and access to care in Hawaiʻi.
- The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 available in English and Spanish 24/7.
- Mental Health Month Toolkit from Mental Health America.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Workout With Jordan
Jordan Ng, Community Well-being Analyst at HMSA provided a general workout that can be done at home. Jordan also provides on-campus fitness workshops for staff, so if your school is interested in this opportunity, check out Jordan’s video here, and contact megan.yarberry@sharecare.com for more intormation. Watch the video (action starts at 1:30)!
Commmunity Garden Virtual Resource Fair
Join the Home and Community Gardening Virtual Resource Fair! Participants will hear from community organizations on its program offerings, how to strengthen community, community garden challenges, and solutions for at-home and community farming.
Registration:
June 13, 2022
9:00am – 10:30am
REGISTER HERE
Statewide Hawai'i Farm to School Hui Coordinator Needed
Hawai‘i Public Health Institute (HIPHI) announces its job opening for the position of Program Manager: Statewide Hawai‘i Farm to School Hui Coordinator.- Deadline to apply: June 10, 2022
- Job description: visit: https://www.hiphi.org/employment/#
- Submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and a list of 3 professional references via the application form.
- Inquires: Roella Foronda, Programs Director, roella@hiphi.org; 808-591-6508 Extension 5.
Get Local Produce at a Discount on Oahu
Looking for fresh, local produce on O’ahu? Blue Zones Project is pleased to announce a new partnership with Farm Link Hawaii, an online farmers’ market. Farm Link Hawaii is offering $10 off orders with the use of promo code BZPHAWAII through April 21, 2023. Download flyers that can be printed or distributed digitally so you can share with all your Oahu friends and colleagues! EBT/SNAP are accepted, as well as Da Bux Access Cards, which applies a 50% off discount on qualifying produce items!
Refresh Your Knowledge of Blue Zones Project
Join one of our Blue Zones Project workshops this month that will provide valuable resources and serve as a refresher training on how Blue Zones Project originated, the status of where the Project is now, and where you can find the tools and resources to be a well-being champion for your organization and community. Attend one of the following fun and educational workshops below:
BRIGHT SPOTS
What's happening in our schools to support wellness?
2022 Keiki Rainbow Wellness Challenge
We are excited to report that the 2022 Keiki Rainbow Wellness Challenge was a success! Overall, 53 schools, 6,000 students, and 10,000 family members participated in this family-fun event. Every county across the state, urban and rural participated!
Ending Period Poverty in Hawai'i Schools
Students at ’Ilima Intermediate School in Ewa Beach led the passage of legislation that makes period products free in all public and charter schools across the state. When a transgender student bled through their pants and then was bullied by peers, teacher Sarah "Mili" Milianta-Laffin said students in the school’s activism club became determined to address period poverty in their school. Three years after starting the process to end period poverty, the students’ efforts were successful. View the full story or watch the video here. What a wonderful achievement for ’Ilima Intermediate School and a win for all public and charter schools throughout the state!
Protecting the Voice of Students
Governor Ige signed HB1848 (Act 24) into law on May 23rd, establishing freedom of speech and press protections to student journalists in Hawaiʻi’s public schools and at the University of Hawaiʻi. Act 24 also supports student advisors from retaliation for refusing to censor student journalists. Read more here.
Have a success story or events/opportunities to share? Email Megan.Yarberry@sharecare.com and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
Join the Well-Being Movement!
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
Check out all participating organizations.
Sign up to receive community updates!
Learn more at www.bzphawaii.com
